Sandals Barbados

Overall we had a good time, but we’d never come back to this resort and very unlikely we’d try another Sandals again. We didn’t have the negative experiences with staff that are so prevalent here on Trip Advisor. The majority of staff were friendly and really lovely. Perhaps take a look in the mirror if you are having frequent negative encounters - maybe you’re part of the problem? Having said that, there are definitely a few bartenders that need some customer service training. Maybe take some notes from your co-worker Zebe - he was always friendly, smiling and providing a positive vibe. Same with the guy in the white shirt working beside him (forget his name - he looked Latin background - not as upbeat as Zebe, but friendly and professional) A couple other staff shout outs: David (host/concierge) at Schooners restaurant. So friendly, welcoming and funny. Jamal (Club sandals). Although I only interacted with him on the phone. His customer service was top notch. I wish I took the names of some other staff but shout out to the girls at the Club Sandals lounge too. A little bit about the resort: The Sandals Barbados side is tired. Especially the rooms and even more the bathroom. The caulking around the tub was gross with mold. The room description also said walk in shower but we got a tub? (Club Sandals Beachfront penthouse room). The view from the balcony was okay. Chairs should be more comfortable. Overall the grounds are kept well and are nice. The nighttime ambiance is beautiful but during the day everything is very tired. It’s better on the Royal side, including the pools. Very poor set up/layout on the Barbados side. We enjoyed all our dinner options (good to excellent). Butches (Barbados side) and Schooners were our two favourites. Breakfast at Spices was just okay. Lots of selection but not that great. Usually luke warm at best and really bland. The bacon was decent, as was the omelette/egg station. The beach was okay. Nice soft white sand, very wide (not really long - not good if you like long walks on the beach). Lots of chairs but they’re jammed together and if you want the “good” seats wake your butt up early (before 7am) but even then the butlers already have them reserved for their guests. Also note that drug dealers literally sit on chairs directly in front of the resort staring at you. We normally don’t care when people offer us weed in other places (Mexico, Jamaica etc), they’re more discreet and less of a constant presence. Here is different, plus they’re offering hard drugs as well, not just the typical weed. Feels as though the resort turns a blind eye to this. A bit disturbing. We saw zero benefit of “upgrading” to Club level. One of the biggest disappointments was things that come normally at other resorts… the small things, like daily housekeeping, in room drink replacements, bathrobes, slippers, umbrellas etc, only started to happen/receive because we requested it. Our biggest tip is be vigilant (but kind) and persistent and you will receive whatever you need. It’s just unfortunate that you need to ask in the first place. Also, download the sandals app and make use of “Gina”. It’s a great convenient way to ask questions and stay in touch with staff. If you’ve already booked the trip, don’t fret you CAN have a good time. Temper your expectations and be consistent and kind with your requests, just be prepared to spend time doing it. If you are still deciding whether to book here, I would pass and look elsewhere. Way better places for the money. It’s just not worth the price.

ABSOLUTE WORST! The way they speak to you, the way they dismiss clients who pay good money, is absolutely unacceptable. Sandals used to be an amazing brand. It's dilapidated, the staff is rude, and the food is average. And it would be OK if the price reflected it.

Just returned. Our first sandals. To be honest expected more. The positive, rum is great and the food is good. The barbados side is dated, getting reservations near impossible and the restaurants where no reservation required, typically cannot take you until late. There is one employee that stands out, and that is Zebe. He worked the pool bar at the small pool and he is kind, so polite and always has a smile on his face, no matter how hard he is working. The beach is small but they have a break wall and that makes swimming in the ocean pleasant, as the current strong. It is close to the Gap and you can walk to it safely. Lots to do on the Gap, and food amazing. We won’t give up sandals just yet, we will try one more but I would not say 5 star…I would give this one a 3.5 We did hear the royal side, which is newer, has better updated rooms Also going club level is not worth it, all it gives you is access to room service, nothing else. But give it a try as I said it was our first sandals, so hate to judge based on one.

The first day… we waited an hour and a half to get to go to our room. Took about 45 minutes to even get our butler to come to the lounge to say hi. We had to wait to get our butler phone until that night so we couldn’t use it at all for the first day. We went to our restaurant that first night and we waited over an hour for our food that never arrived. We finally left and had to order from the bar across the way and take it back to our room. The second day…. Our phone that we finally got stopped working so we didn’t know where our reserved spot was on the beach. We ended up not using our butler service obviously because our phone wasn’t working. Third day….. we got our phone back and boom…. Not working again. Service was HORRIBLE!!!!! All the workers looked like they hated their job. Took forever to get anything.

After being a loyal Sandals customer for over 30 year I feel that I have to leave a review with regards to this resort. Primarily there is a definite disconnect between the Sandals brand, a 5 star rating and what is delivered to the guests of this property. Here is what hits the mark ! #1 the beach. #2 the food ( quality and selection) But that is where it stops. The resort itself is very dated and in dire need of renovations especially the building housing Spice's restaurant. The club-level staff need to be re-trained as to the value of hospitality and customer service. As a customer, one should feel welcomed to be a part of the resort community and not feel as though you are interupting some big social event amongst the staff members in the back room. very rarely was there a team member in site at the club lounge unlike other Sandals resorts where you are greeted with a friendly smile and warm disposition. I would also note that on other properties you are usually contacted by a member of the team to see how your stay was going or if there was anything that we may need but not Sandals Barbados. Also Check in time I believe is 3pm on the date of arrival and Sandals has all your arrival information which leaves me confused as to why the room was not ready until almost 5pm and even then there were still things missing from the room. On other properties you usually have stationary ,a pen ,etc. Not this one. The biggest issue though would be the amenities or rather lack thereof. How can you promote Lovers lane bowling alley when you most evenings it is closed between 6 and 8pm as there are no staff and even when it is open there are usually only two lanes operational. In addition to that how can you washroom facility adjacent to the bar and the bowling alley closed leaving with not indicator as to the closest facility. Sandals I am sorry to say that the resort classification here is definitely not a 5Star.